Matt Shepherd celebrates Albion’s late win over Wharfedale (picture by Paul Thompson/Pinnacle)
MATCH-winner Matt Shepherd admitted Plymouth Albion really had to grind out their win at Wharfedale on Saturday.
Albion trailed 9-7 going into the 80th minute of the National One game which was badly affected by driving rain, a gale-force wind, bad light and a waterlogged pitch.
But with Plymouth looking like they might be facing a disappointing 350-mile trip home from the Yorkshire Dales, Shepherd popped up to score a winning try.
“I think we thought the wind was going to win it for us,” said Shepherd, whose team had gone in at the break just two points down having played into the gale-force wind first half. “But we had to grind it out.
“Wharfedale put a massive fight up and made it hard work for us. They did exactly what we did in the first half.”
Albion missed four penalty kicks at goal in the second half when they had the wind advantage, including two in the final five minutes.
“Nothing was happening for us,” said Shepherd. “But it was good to eventually grind out the win, especially away in those treacherous conditions.
“It is always good to win in the last minute and I’m happy I got the try. It was good vision by Jake (Murphy) and the boys. It was good.”
He added: “It was an enjoyable game but very cold.”
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